**Georgia’s Ruling Party Under Fire for Harsh Treatment of Journalist**
In a statement on social media, German MEP Sergey Lagodinsky has condemned the Georgian authorities for their treatment of journalist Mzia Amaghlobeli. Amaghlobeli has been detained for over 200 days and was recently sentenced to two years in prison for slapping a public order protector.
This harsh sentence is seen as an attack on media freedom by many, including Lagodinsky. He claims that the Georgian ruling party must abandon its “path of criminal prosecution” and respect the rights of journalists to report without fear of reprisal. The MEP also points out that the authorities have been using tax demands as a way to seize assets from Amaghlobeli’s publications, ‘Batumelebi’ and ‘Netgazeti’.
**A Single Slap Sparks Harsh Consequences**
Amaghlobeli was charged under Article 353 of the Criminal Code for her alleged actions against a public order protector. This charge is being seen as an example of the Georgian authorities using the law to silence critics and opposition voices.
The European Parliament has been vocal in its support for Amaghlobeli, with Lagodinsky’s statement being just the latest call for her release. The MEP’s comments highlight the need for Georgia’s ruling party to respect media freedom and allow journalists to report without fear of persecution.
**A Blow to Media Freedom**
Lagodinsky’s statement comes at a time when press freedoms are under increasing threat around the world. The treatment of Amaghlobeli is being seen as a sign that the Georgian authorities are willing to use any means necessary to silence critics and opposition voices.
In his statement, Lagodinsky emphasizes that Georgia’s ruling party must respect media freedom and allow journalists to report without fear of persecution. He also calls for Amaghlobeli’s immediate release, citing her courage in reporting on important issues despite facing harsh treatment from the authorities.
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